Late Adulthood Psychology

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Transcript of Late Adulthood Psychology

Late Adulthood Erikson's Stage Theory Kubler-Ross' 5 Stages of death and dying "Have I lived a full life?" An Overview Review accomplishments Despair Begin to feel helplessFeel that life was a waste Success Anger "Why me? It's not fair!"; "How can this happen to me?"; "Who is to blame?" Feelings of integrity...Confidence, reassurance Denial Changes and Adjustments Social Change Bargaining Newfound value on family and friendsWorries of putting too much strain on familyLessening in variety of social contactsHeightened spirtualityRetirement is expectedMore time is spent relaxingFinancial dependenceOften dependent living arrangements "I feel fine."; "This can't be happening, not to me." Depression Physical Change —"Just let me live to see my children graduate."; "I'll do anything for a few more years."; "I will give my life savings if..." Acceptance "I'm so sad, why bother with anything?"; "I'm going to die... What's the point?"; "I miss my loved one, why go on?" —"It's going to be okay."; "I can't fight it, I may as well prepare for it." Body begins to break downWrinkles and Liver spots appear on skinHair lossSlower reaction time and agilityDecreased sex driveMore susceptible to bone diseases usually only a temporary defense for the individual This feeling is generally replaced with heightened awareness of positions and individuals that will be left behind after death. Death of a Spouse Anger at the spouse for leavingDespair and guiltTrouble sleepingLittle interest in foodConcentration problems the individual recognizes that denial cannot continue The person beomes difficult to care for due to misplaced feelings of rage Staying Active Reactions to This stage involves the hope that the individual can delay death Staying active can fight off depression Usually, the individual begings negotiationg with a higher power to extend thier time although they understand they will die During this stage, the individual begins to realize the certainty of death Societal Impact Targeted advertisingHair restoration, sexual arousal, skincareElderly are entranced by lure Grieving and crying are heavily accompanied by silence and the refusal of visitors The actions and emotions present in this stage allow the dying or grieving person to disconnect from love and affection This grieving time is essential to the individual and it is not recommended to attempt to cheer them up. In this last stage, the individual begins to come to terms with his mortality or that of his loved one concept was originally applied to people who suffered from terminal illness and then to those who suffered a catastrophic personal loss. Divorce, drug addiction, terminal illness or disease as well as disasters and tragedies serve as examples. "From birth, we are destined to reach the path of death" Kubler-Ross claimed thatthese steps do not necessarily come in any particular orderevery step is not experienced by every patient.each person will experience at least 2 of these phases, and often time patients will experience a sort of roller coaster effect, switching several times between stages before working through them. Mental HealthElderly people who remain physically active significantly reduce their risk for cognitive decline.Staying active can help fight off Alzheimer's disease and dementia.Physical activities include walking, yoga, gardening, golf, housework and babysittingOther leisure activities such as reading, writing, doing puzzles, playing cards, practicing a musical instrument and visiting friends are also closely connected to reduced cognitive decline in older adults.

LongevityActivity can reduce the risk of premature death due to: Heart Attack, Stroke, Diabetes. Thinking, learning, memory& problem solving Reduced ability to think clearlyDifficulty recalling memories/ imagination tasksNew memories are mostly affected, some aspects can improveAlzheimer's disease - a degenerative disorder of the brain that produces both diminished thinking abilities and memory problemsSlower information acquisitionVocabulary and skills improve Hearing Diminishes, especially high frequency soundsHearing aids can compensate for much of one's hearing loss Vision Eye lenses become less flexible and discolored, affecting both distance and color visionVisual acuity50% are legally blind Sexual Functioning There is no age where arousal and orgasm stopMany medicines are available to aidLoses reproductive functioningKeeps elderly healthy with exercise and social interaction Social Interaction Less social due to decreased mobility Maintain ties and relationships they choose to keepCan aid with personal health Selective Social Interaction - Choosing to restrict the number of one's social contacts to those who are most gratifying Emotions Ability to control emotion improvesMore positive emotions Outlook Positive outlook can lead to strong relationships, activism in community, confidence in strugglesNegative can alienate friends and family